LPN salary in Illinois
The median LPN in Illinois earned $75,000 a year in 2025, $10,600 (16%) above the $64,400 national median. That ranks 12th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $75,000
- Average yearly pay
- $73,430
- Employed in Illinois
- 17,440
How Illinois compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Illinois
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $95,990 | 138,910 |
| LPN or LVN | $75,000 | 17,440 |
| Nurse practitioner | $130,680 | 9,270 |
A nurse practitioner in Illinois earns a median $34,690 more than a registered nurse ($130,680 against $95,990). A registered nurse earns a median $20,990 more than an LPN or LVN here ($95,990 against $75,000).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does an LPN or LVN make in Illinois?
The median is $75,000 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of licensed practical and vocational nurses in Illinois earn more and half earn less.
Is Illinois a high-paying state for licensed practical and vocational nurses?
Illinois ranks 12th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $64,400, so Illinois pays 16% above it. The highest median is $83,150 in Washington.
How many licensed practical and vocational nurses work in Illinois?
BLS counted 17,440 licensed practical and vocational nurses employed in Illinois in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Illinois the average is $73,430.
What do you need to work as an LPN or LVN in Illinois?
Illinois requires a practical nursing certificate or diploma and a passing NCLEX-PN score, with a license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation - Nursing.